About Civano

Civano Nursery’s Humble Beginnings

Civano Nursery is a family owned and operated business.

We opened the garden center in 1999 and we have gone through a lot of changes over the years. Running a business can be a challenge, however, it has been one that we have all enjoyed every step of the way. Over the years life has taught me the importance of having a place that you can shop that has a little something for everyone. That’s why we have a play area and a mini animal farm for the little ones. Of course we have an abundance of plants for the avid gardener, including our own Civano Select brand and partner brands like Monrovia and American Beauties. Our garden professionals are excited to assist you on making your garden a place to enjoy for many years to come. We offer an experience that is family friendly and are known locally as a destination garden center. We strive to provide a family atmosphere that enlightens, inspires, and ultimately guides you to a successful garden.

Melanie L. Shipley – General Manager

The majority of the plants found at our garden center have been grown at our 70 acre Sahuarita farm; where we really have a passion for plants, and it shows in the quality and variety of plants that we grow for each season. We have introduced many great new trees for smaller spaces: the Leslie Roy Mesquite (named after Dad), and The Sweet Katie Burgundy Desert Willow (named after my younger brother Nick’s wife). We are proud that the soil we use to grow our plants is made by us from the green waste from Tucson Electric Power tree trimmings.

How did we get here? Well it all started with our Dad Les Shipley, who taught us the value of a hard day’s work and the joy of growing plants. At a very young age my brothers (Nick & Alex) and I could be found running through the greenhouses or potting up plants. We’ve just always been exposed to agriculture and the joy of growing plants. It was only natural that we decided to open a family business. My dad, my brothers, my wife Melanie and I joined forces and created a business that we are extremely proud of. Now it’s our turn to pass this passion down to our young children and teach them what our father taught us.

Chris Shipley – President

We truly love what we do, and our garden professionals are as passionate as we are about gardening. If you want to learn more about gardening in our climate come down to Civano Nursery and let us show you how.

Chris Shipley

Search Catalog

Our catalog features almost 600 different plants. Click to find the information you need to select those adapted to your environment.